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Shelley Williams graduated from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina in 1993 with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Education. She continued her college career at WCU, and received a Masters of Art Degree in Communication Disorders in 1995. From that time until 2010, she worked in a variety of settings as a speech-language pathologist including home health, hospitals, daycares and public schools. In 2010, she began a new job with dual roles as Director of Exceptional Children and as Preschool Coordinator in the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District. In addition to her duties for the RRGSD, she also interns as an Assistant Principal at Hollister Elementary School in Halifax County. Her internship is part of the Northeast Leadership Academy graduate program through North Carolina State University.
This is my story. . .
My Journey to Leadership from Shelley Williams on Vimeo.
Biographical Statement
When I was in middle school, a preacher who was deaf spoke at my church. His wife was his interpreter. Sitting in the congregation, I knew that one day I would help people just like him. After high school graduation, I studied Communication Disorders at Western Carolina University. My years were not only spent learning from books but also from the many children and adults I had the opportunity to work with during many practicums. At graduation, I was awarded a Bachelor’s of Science in Communication Disorders. After graduation, I immediately continued my education at WCU and obtained a Master’s of Science degree. It was during that time, I knew that working with children was my passion. I became licensed and certified by the American Speech-language Hearing Association as a Speech-Language Pathologist the following year. My various jobs since graduation have further reinforced my desire to help others.
As I worked at a preschool, I was an active part of our Professional Learning Community meetings. Through many meetings and conversations, I had become passionate about helping children become better readers. Many hours were spent researching how to best help all children to be successful readers, even at the preschool level. Our PLC read and discussed Carol Dweck’s “Mindset, The New Psychology of Success”. It amazes me how adults can shape the success of children by the words chosen. That has been demonstrated to me many times this year. For example, when a child was feeling defeated and his teacher said, “You can do it if you just work hard,” the child’s whole attitude changed. Our words are so powerful.
Effective communication is vital when working with children and most especially with working with adults. Without question, communicating with others is one of my biggest strengths. I believe that clear and concise communication certainly leaves little room for doubt. This is true for adults as well as children. Children are like sponges. Talking to them is critical for their development.
After working 11 years for the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District as a speech-language pathologist, I knew it was time for a change. I began a journey towards leadership. Through the Northeast Leadership Academy, I have been provided skills that are necessary in order for me to be successful and effective as a change agent in the Northeast.
I Am. . By Shelley Williams
I am from pony tails, penny loafers and blue jeans I am from bike riding, and picking butter beans.
I am from church on Sunday and Wednesdays too
and whenever we wanted something to do.
I am from North Carolina, Germany and Idaho
Yet, I am home wherever my momma sits and sews.
I am from hardworking parents just trying to get byI am from “I’ll wash your mouth out with soap” if you tell a lie.
I am from eating at home, doing chores and canning the vegetables that we grew.
I am from mind your manners, don’t talk back and do as I say, not as I do.
My parents raised me to always do the right thing, respect others, and be nice.
They loved me the only way they knew how, unconditionally without a lot of advice.